Seeking hair of the dog, Arroyo stumbles into EscoBar. Badness ensues.

by Brendanukkah on Apr 25, 2009 4:01 PM EDT in Game Threads

The Joe Nuxhall Honorary Memorial Star of the Game

Yunel Escobar. He may be whiny and a tool, but he also kicked our ass. He went 3-4 with a double, home run, 4 RBI, and got hit by a pitch for the second day in a row (hee hee!).

Key Plays

The first four Braves reached base safely with a walk to Kelly Johnson, a run-scoring double by Escobar, a run-scoring single by Larry, and an ultimately meaningless single by Casey Kotchman.
Pitching and defense continued to be as mythical as Skyline east of the Appalachians and girls who put out for nice guys. In the second inning, sleeper agent David Ross tried to innocuously ground out to third base, but Edwin threw the ball away and Ross ended up on second. Arroyo then walked Derek Lowe on four pitches. Two batters later, Escobar singled in Ross, then the Braves waited around for the three run home run (classic mistake!), which Chipper Jones promptly provided in our Frisch's Big Boy Big Play of the Game. Braves up, 6-0.
In the bottom of the inning, Jay Bruce continued his offensive emergence with a double, and then Sea Bass hit a home run! Nearly as shocking as seeing Davey Concepcion hit a home run... today.
In the third inning, a manager was ejected. Incredibly, it was Dusty and not Bobby Cox. Hairston also got tossed for arguing balls and strikes.
via i75.photobucket.com
Despite putting his team in a six run hole, Bronson started to settle down and get in a groove, until he was undone in the sixth inning by Chris Dickerson's glove. Dickerson misplayed consecutive balls into back to back doubles, and then Yunel Escobar added the exclamation point to a crappy game with a two run homer to end Bronson's day.
Mike Lincoln would like to remind everyone that another famous Lincoln was very unpopular in the early going as well. That may be, but Abe didn't walk the first batter he faced, move him over with a wild pitch, and then let him score on Greg Norton's first hit of the season (a double). Interesting side note: Kentucky never voted for Abraham Lincoln, and was one of three states to partake in both the 1860 and 1864 election and never go for Lincoln. Can you name the other two?

via www.fangraphs.com

Other Notes

This was the first time Arroyo had pitched without Paul Janish playing behind him. This was also Arroyo's first loss? Coincidence?
Ryan Hanigan had a good day at the plate, going 2-3 with a double and a walk. No one stole a base on him. He's now batting .357.
Bronson is 20-26 in day games, 54-45 in night games. He gives up 3.17 runs a game in the day, and 2.87 runs per game at night.
Tom Groeschen had some interesting notes.
--The Reds have not made a roster move since final cuts the day before Opening Day. Today is the 20th day of the season. The Reds have not gone more than 20 days to start a season without a roster move since 1985, when their first roster move was 37 days into the year. In 2009, the Reds began a year without a player on the DL since 1990.

--The Reds have trailed in 12 of their 16 games this year but won five of the 12 in which they trailed.
He also has this money quote from Dusty, regarding Gonzalez: "I can see and hear, the sound of the bat is getting louder."
Chris Dickerson got himself a golden sombrero.

Final - 4.25.2009	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R
Atlanta Braves	2	4	0	0	0	3	0	1	0	10
Cincinnati Reds	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2

Complete Coverage >

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Comments

Not the clearest writing...

In the third inning, a manager was ejected. Incredibly, it was Dusty and Bobby Cox.

Huh.

Let me write out a formal proof for you.

by Gray on Apr 25, 2009 4:02 PM EDT reply actions

Thank you

I fixed it.

by Brendanukkah on Apr 25, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Let me reiterate

Yes Rosales can play left field OR SS or 3B or 2B

today’s quick look at the offense

C-Dick o-5 4ks .195 on his way to AAA
BP 0-4 .161
EdE. 0-4 .145
Gonzo 1-4 .152

Pathetic…

Meanwhile

Nix 1-2 .263
Hqnnigan 2-3, 1BB .357
Jannish 1-1 .454
Bruce 1-3 .245
Votto 0-3 .358

Bad Bronson today but no O.
Until something changes it is time to play Hannigan, Jannish, more of Nix and bring Adam Rosales up.

The red’s are terribly vulnerable offensively..a bad day by a pitcher is usually going to equate to a loss.

the alarm should be going off in Walt’s personal bathroom right about,,,,now

I want to be there when a trailer full of coffins slams into a an ambulance full of terminally ill Bolivians. Or when the Reds win a WS..whichever comes first....

by Madville on Apr 25, 2009 4:05 PM EDT reply actions

At least you got an homage in the tags

by Brendanukkah on Apr 25, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Though in all fairness, that one Gonzo hit was a HR.

Let me write out a formal proof for you.

by Gray on Apr 25, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions

And I mentioned this in the game thread...

but why does nobody in charge seem worried about Lincoln? He’s now allowed runs in four of his seven appearances. He’s now pitched 7 and 1/3 innings and allowed 11 hits, 9 walks, 2 HBP, and 12 ER.

I realize that’s a small sample size and all, but…

Let me write out a formal proof for you.

by Gray on Apr 25, 2009 4:08 PM EDT reply actions

I agree...

I think its time for a few roster changes

by wishfuldrifter on Apr 25, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Thinking about roster changes...

I’m actually less worried about EdE than I am about BP’s hitting, but EdE still looks pretty bad. So our black holes right now are:

1. BP
2. EdE
3. Gonzalez, though he may be turning it around…
4. Hernandez, though we have a viable alternative on the team
5. Dickerson, who is looking increasingly bad both at the plate and in the field

On the pitching side, I’m mainly concerned about Lincoln, and Burton could be worrisome but I’m more willing to give him time.

But will anything be done to address any of these holes?

Let me write out a formal proof for you.

by Gray on Apr 25, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions

no

Nothing will be done. They aren’t going to bench BP or EE.

A-Gon seems to be heating up.

Dickerson is not doing well with either bat or glove, but who are they going to replace him with? (I’d vote for Bubba Crosby, but Jockstrap doesn’t listen to me. ;-)

About the only thing we can hope for is playing Hanigan more often, which would not require a roster move.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Apr 25, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Couldn't Rosales play LF?

I know this organization doesn’t like to move anybody, ever, but…

Let me write out a formal proof for you.

by Gray on Apr 25, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't know how good Rosales is in the OF

I suspect not very.

In any case, part of Dickerson’s value is that he can play CF. Rosales can’t do that.

Rosales is also right-handed, while Dickerson is left-handed.

I think if Dickerson is replaced, it will be by another lefty who can play CF.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Apr 25, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions

I agre that you're probably right...

but that doesn’t mean that it should be that way.

We have plenty of guys who can “play” CF: Taveras, McDonald, Hairston. Sure, they’re all right handed. But all of our shortstops are right handed. So what?

Let me write out a formal proof for you.

by Gray on Apr 25, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions

point to ponder

im not sold that Dickerson can play left field…lotta miscues ytd.

"I've actually never had a drink before, tonight I might try it out. We'll see."
—Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, on turning 21

by obc2 on Apr 25, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions

maybe Dickerson would do better in CF

because he is struggling with the angle. Griffey said it was an adjustment to RF because of that.

Bloop

by justin007000 on Apr 25, 2009 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions

I was wondering about that

I’m trying to remember how often he played LF in Louisville. I seem to remember his playing a lot of CF, but I could be wrong.

There definitely is an adjustment.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Apr 25, 2009 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions

he was almost exclusively a CF

has been since the beginning, really. he was graded by BA as the best defensive OF in the Reds system for a number of years, at least until Stubbs was drafted.

Consider the Eskimos.

by Charlie Scrabbles on Apr 25, 2009 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions

so perhaps he's still getting used to left field

However, if that was the problem, I would expect him to have trouble getting to the ball. But he’s not. He’s getting there, but dropping it.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Apr 25, 2009 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions

THAT'S RACIST!!!!

Bloop

by justin007000 on Apr 25, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions

I would not be surprised to aee Dickerson shipped out

He’s unproven,fairly old and playing like dog poop.
Cherry can play left until he gets hurt.
McFlurry can play left (sort of) and at least he’s hitting.
I’m not so sure Gonzo is turning it around he’s avery streaky hitter and he’d have to have a pretty sustained streak to become semi-productive.
BP should turn it around. He’s not going to hit .161

I agree that Lincoln is a worry.

Looking a Edwin’s contributions over the past 3 years – he has to, must get going and get going soon.

Rosalaes is supposed to be getting a look n LF…he could drop any more balls than Chris.

I want to be there when a trailer full of coffins slams into a an ambulance full of terminally ill Bolivians. Or when the Reds win a WS..whichever comes first....

by Madville on Apr 25, 2009 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Lincoln is rounding into form

he only gave up one run today.

Progress.

Lets remember Abe Lincoln lost a lot of battles early.

Bloop

by justin007000 on Apr 25, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Lincoln is concerning but pitchers can work their shit out more easily

as they don’t play everyday.

I want to be there when a trailer full of coffins slams into a an ambulance full of terminally ill Bolivians. Or when the Reds win a WS..whichever comes first....

by Madville on Apr 25, 2009 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Janish

sure made the most of the single plate appearance he got. 10 pitches!

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Apr 25, 2009 4:16 PM EDT reply actions

Professional AB.

Let me write out a formal proof for you.

by Gray on Apr 25, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I like that picture of Kelly...

Brendanukkah, how did you know where I went to school?

"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner

by Little Lady on Apr 25, 2009 4:37 PM EDT reply actions

superior stalking skills.

Let me write out a formal proof for you.

by Gray on Apr 25, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions

It's just interesting...

because it’s not exactly a well-known school.

"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner

by Little Lady on Apr 25, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh so you attend Our Lady of the Everwidening Void School of Nursing and Communications?

My cousin’s sister’s boyfriend’s Mother attended OLEVNCU and loved it.

She third from the left, middle back in the Nurses Uniform

I want to be there when a trailer full of coffins slams into a an ambulance full of terminally ill Bolivians. Or when the Reds win a WS..whichever comes first....

by Madville on Apr 25, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions

The one on the far right in the middle row...

looks a lot like your mom.

"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner

by Little Lady on Apr 25, 2009 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions

My sister went to Berry for two years

by Brendanukkah on Apr 25, 2009 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions

That's cool.

It’s a pretty sweet place, if I say so myself.

"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner

by Little Lady on Apr 25, 2009 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions

You're not in Winshape are you?

by Brendanukkah on Apr 25, 2009 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Brendan that's not the sort of thing you ask a LADY

I want to be there when a trailer full of coffins slams into a an ambulance full of terminally ill Bolivians. Or when the Reds win a WS..whichever comes first....

by Madville on Apr 25, 2009 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Nope.

But, I don’t really want to be. I don’t particularly want to live on the mountain. Plus, they’re all very secluded from the rest of campus.
I’ve been thinking about working there next summer, though. We’ll see…

"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner

by Little Lady on Apr 25, 2009 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions

your IP addy, maybe

He’s a mod, so he can see things mere mortals can’t.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Apr 25, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Stubbs has an OPS of .834

I want him in center field tomorrow. He also supposedly has plus defense, and lets get him up here.

FREE STUBBS!

Bloop

by justin007000 on Apr 25, 2009 5:32 PM EDT reply actions

Stibbs is white and will not be able to hold up under the hot cincinnati summers...

there already is concern about Jay Bruce

I want to be there when a trailer full of coffins slams into a an ambulance full of terminally ill Bolivians. Or when the Reds win a WS..whichever comes first....

by Madville on Apr 25, 2009 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

and he's from Texas!

surely Votto, Le Canadien, will wither

"I've actually never had a drink before, tonight I might try it out. We'll see."
—Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, on turning 21

by obc2 on Apr 25, 2009 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions

correction

i went to baseballreference for that stat, and I quoted his 2008 AAA stats. In 2009 his OPS is only 495, OUCH! I guess it probably isn’t time to bring him up.

Bloop

by justin007000 on Apr 25, 2009 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, according to MiLB.com...

his OPS is .531, good for third worst on the team. And behind both catchers, Norris Hopper, and, well…everyone else except Richar and Dorn. On the plus side, he’s only had 36 PAs so far.

Let me write out a formal proof for you.

by Gray on Apr 25, 2009 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Eye Witness Report

i got the $20+free hat tickets next to the foul poll in right field. I got a free hat and fleece blanket, not bad for $20. Excellent seats, but yeah, than the game started. I fucking wanted to strangle Bronson when he walked Lowe.

The lady next to me left her cell phone, i turned it into an usher, who seemed old and confused, at this point he probably thinks it is his cell phone.

Dickerson looks lost and a spell in Louisville might help him.

Value Menu looked alright.

The Reds need to cause that fucker Escobar to need to see a dentist tomorrow. That sonuvabitch pisses me off.

I miss Dave Ross, he and Hanigan would be a much better combination than Hernadez and Hanigan.

Today’s game was a failure because Gonzo was switched out in the late innings.

I know Gozno hit a home run, but at this point I am rooting for him to fail so Janish gets a shot. If Gonzo limps through the season the Reds will decide to sign a shortstop for next year. If Janish plays he might earn himself a spot, or prove he is a backup. But I would like to find out sooner rather than later.

Lincoln is facing a second term disaster.

It was a beautiful day, too bad Bronson wasn’t on, at least the Reds put themselves out of it early rather than breaking my heart late.

Bloop

by justin007000 on Apr 25, 2009 5:42 PM EDT reply actions

also

why was there such a delay after Dusty was ejected. I was wondering if the ump threw out Bill Spiers or another coach. I was really hoping he threw out Spier (i was dispointed when Spiers came up to remove Arroyo), so Dick Pole could manage.

Also why did Bronson start the 6th? Why did they yank him after the home run, at that point the game was out of reach mightaswell let him finish the inning.

Bloop

by justin007000 on Apr 25, 2009 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions

So i was working the game and this young whippersnapper found my mobile telephone

Just when you think that today’s kids are all drug addled and sexually promiscuous…this nice young gave me my phone…I don’t know why he had it though, and you know the sick little bastard didn’t give me a tip for helping him find his seat,,,fucking kids today are assholes.

Gramps

I want to be there when a trailer full of coffins slams into a an ambulance full of terminally ill Bolivians. Or when the Reds win a WS..whichever comes first....

by Madville on Apr 25, 2009 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions

i also forgot there was a guy decked out in a full braves jersey

Not just the jersey, the whole fucking jersey, pants, socks, and he may have had cleats on. I wish i was that cool. i just wore a red colored t-shirt.

Bloop

by justin007000 on Apr 25, 2009 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions

But.. but...

Hernanigans!

by Brendanukkah on Apr 25, 2009 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions

looks like i picked a fine day to miss the game

i went to the Scarlet and Gray game, and as per Ash’s request, i will give you my scholarly and informed opinion on the goings-on:

Brandon Saine broke off a few good-looking runs. Boom Herron didnt look as good.
Pryor threw two beautiful TD passes, and Small caught one of them and made a beeeeyooootiful move to take it home to end the 1st half.
Siems, a young QB recruit from the Charlotte, NC area, looked pretty good. it was very windy and a number of passes from all QBs looked ugly, but Siems looked better than Bauserman.
Cam Heyward is a monster. he looks like Jupiter.
Andy Russell made a few good plays. no other defenders really stood out.
in the end, Gray laid down quite a thumping, winning 23-3.
the best part though was after the game. as we were walking down Lane Ave all the players walked by, heading to some kind of function at the Woody Hayes center. i stood right next to Jim Cordle, though so did about 45 other folks. he’s a big dude.

Consider the Eskimos.

by Charlie Scrabbles on Apr 25, 2009 5:58 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Thanks Scrabbles!

The Bucks can’t go wrong at RB next year, both Boom and Saine will be excellent. With Pryor, they should rush for 200 yards a game easy.

by chesirecat on Apr 25, 2009 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions

im not at all conviced by Boom

but if they are going to spread it out and run the pistol like they say they will, it probably wont matter.

Consider the Eskimos.

by Charlie Scrabbles on Apr 25, 2009 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions

He's a kid, and he was damn good against Texas.

But yeah, probably not gonna matter with the new offense. Color me excited!

by chesirecat on Apr 25, 2009 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions

oh yeah

ive been exclusively following baseball since late October, but this game has me pretty excited for Buckeye football. they probably wont contend for the title this year (i just dont trust Tressel to run a decent offense around Pryor) but they have the talent on both sides to go to a BCS bowl again. and it was an absolutely perfect day to watch some football. or baseball. or do anything really.

Consider the Eskimos.

by Charlie Scrabbles on Apr 25, 2009 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks!

Much appreciated, and rec’d accordingly.

"I'm going to kick the fire with cheese!"

by Ash on Apr 25, 2009 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions

has Beanie Wells been drafted yet?

"I've actually never had a drink before, tonight I might try it out. We'll see."
—Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, on turning 21

by obc2 on Apr 25, 2009 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions

nope

but Malcolm Jenkins went 14 to NO

Consider the Eskimos.

by Charlie Scrabbles on Apr 25, 2009 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Ohio P Dave Zastudil

was drafted by the Ravens in the 4th round a few years ago. he punts for the Browns currently.

"I've actually never had a drink before, tonight I might try it out. We'll see."
—Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, on turning 21

by obc2 on Apr 25, 2009 6:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Eyewitness Report, part 2

I had the same deal as Justin, except I was on the 3B side. A few thoughts:

The home plate umpire was indeed an asshat. In the AB with runners on where Votto struck out looking, there were no strikes thrown. All of the strikes looking were low.
Watching from the left field stands, Dickerson should have earned himself a trip to Louisville with the shit he pulled today. He did the same thing in Chicago, where he used the net as an excuse, but that isn’t there in Cincinnati. There were 3 balls hit out there that should have been outs, that Dickerson botched, and looked bad doing it. Pair that with a guy who looks lost at the plate, and I’m beginning to agree with D’s assessment.
Bronson looked like he had his curveball working, but it wasn’t fooling anybody.
Cherry should haven’t argued as much as he did, to get ejected, because it wasn’t effective. The ump never changed his crappy strike zone. Dusty’s ejection was simply a case of sticking up for his player. Dusty sticking around in the dugout for the next 5 minutes was the highlight of the game.
D-Ray looked great, Hanigan looked great, and Votto had some impressive plays at 1B.
Most Reds fans really really really hate Edwin. It may be time to do something about it.

"I can eat mayonnaise with a spoon." - Jeff Brantley

by BK on Apr 25, 2009 7:17 PM EDT reply actions

It may be time to do something about it.

But how many of those fans can we realistically take out?

Let me write out a formal proof for you.

by Gray on Apr 25, 2009 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions

I was thinking the same thing

I mean, I’m all for killing, but I typically do it in my home where I can cover it up. I’m not sure I can fit a stadium of people in my home.

"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty

by Slyde on Apr 25, 2009 7:56 PM EDT up reply actions

David Blaine could do it

Consider the Eskimos.

by Charlie Scrabbles on Apr 25, 2009 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions

The thing with EdE is

I’m dreadfully scared that another team will take him on, work with him, and make him into the offensive force that we’ve all been hoping for. I know there’ve been a lot of pitchers of ours who have seemingly succeeded right after leaving Dick Pole…and I’m not convinced that the same thing wouldn’t happen with EdE, given that Jacoby seems to be a pretty poor hitting coach.

by ThePensive on Apr 25, 2009 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions

did you enjoy your free hat?

Bloop

by justin007000 on Apr 25, 2009 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions

No

But the blanket came in handy on a day where it’s sunny and 85.

"I can eat mayonnaise with a spoon." - Jeff Brantley

by BK on Apr 25, 2009 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions

why do i feel like the reds gift shop ordered too many of those hats

and the option was either make it a promotion or burn them?

Bloop

by justin007000 on Apr 25, 2009 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions

You're probably right

Those are stupid looking hats.

"I can eat mayonnaise with a spoon." - Jeff Brantley

by BK on Apr 25, 2009 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions

What were you doing under the blanket?

Let me write out a formal proof for you.

by Gray on Apr 25, 2009 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions

digital manipulation?

Bloop

by justin007000 on Apr 25, 2009 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

Fuck most Reds fans.

They’re ignorant tools who worship white, scrappy worthless ballplayers and disdain productive players like Dunn. Encarnacion is cheap and 26 years old. It’s a bit early to get rid of someone after barely 70 AB’s. But, that’s the kind of crap you get when that bitter old, stupid man is running someone out of town.

by timb116 on Apr 25, 2009 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Preaching to the choir, man.

On Edwin’s botched play at 3B, one guy in the peanut gallery even claimed that there should have been two errors on Edwin, one on the bobble and another on the throw. Now, I’ll admit it was a bad throw, but is that really necessary… Dickerson should have had 3 on the day, but he got away with just the one, I think.

"I can eat mayonnaise with a spoon." - Jeff Brantley

by BK on Apr 25, 2009 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions

the problem with stupidity is it never learns.

Consider the Eskimos.

by Charlie Scrabbles on Apr 25, 2009 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't think Dickerson got any errors in this game

It’s pretty rare for outfielders to get errors.

The fact that Dickerson has 3 errors in this young season is pretty alarming.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Apr 26, 2009 6:09 AM EDT up reply actions

He's also made more plays than the average LF as well

He’s definitely struggled in the last week, but I don’t think we have any reason to assume he’s a bad defender at this point. Defense slumps just like offense.

"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty

by Slyde on Apr 26, 2009 8:53 AM EDT up reply actions

Interesting

I’d never heard that. Well, there’s Steve Blass disease, I suppose. But I thought that was why “defense wins championships” – it doesn’t slump like hitting does.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Apr 26, 2009 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions

Steve Blass is a really extreme example

and I’ve never heard someone say defense never slumps. I’ve heard that speed never slumps, but defense most definitely goes through slumps.

"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty

by Slyde on Apr 26, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions

Could you tell me if it's true that good black don't crack?

by Brendanukkah on Apr 26, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Maybe, but I've never seen anyone look so lost out there defensively

It was out of the ordinary in that sixth inning, where he had 3 tough balls hit to him, and he grossly misplayed 2 of them, the one off the wall (the second one of its kind in the game) and the diving catch that went off his glove, before making the sliding catch. As I said before, if you’re supposedly a plus defender in the outfield, you have to make those plays at home. It’s not even a matter of getting a bad jump on the ball, because he’s getting there, he’s just not catching them when he gets there, by taking his eye off of the ball or not concentrating or something. That has AAAA written all over it.

"I can eat mayonnaise with a spoon." - Jeff Brantley

by BK on Apr 26, 2009 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions

have you ever seen Cesar Hernandez play OF?

"I've actually never had a drink before, tonight I might try it out. We'll see."
—Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, on turning 21

by obc2 on Apr 26, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions

he may not be a plus defender

but my point is that people are making a lot of judgments based on a small set of examples. I remember the same thing happening when Pokey Reese made three errors on Opening Day. A common cry was, “I thought this guy was supposed to be good defensively.” Players have bad games, even bade weeks or months defensively. It could be a lack of concentration, or a lack of confidence, or whatever. Maybe he’s having a hard time letting go of a mistake he made earlier in the week and whenever the ball is hit his way right now, he panics. Or maybe he’s just had several balls hit to him with weird spin on them in one week.

All I’m saying is that it doesn’t have to be a case that the guy is a failure. Sometimes players just have bad stretches.

"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty

by Slyde on Apr 26, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions

I've seen quite a bit of Dickerson

Considering I’m in NY and all. I used to have a subscription to MiLB.TV, and the Bats home games are all available. And I try to go to Bats games when they’re playing in the Northeast.

I don’t think Dickerson is as bad he’s been so far this season. I don’t think he’s a great defender, but he’s not awful, either.

That has AAAA written all over it.

I think you could be right. It’s not so much the adjustment to the big leagues. I’ve heard infielders can have trouble, because the ball is hit so much harder, but outfielders don’t seem to be bothered too much.

But perhaps he’s taking his struggles at the plate into the field…something rookies are notorious for doing.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Apr 26, 2009 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions